Therapeutic effects and research
(Nutrients 2011) Antioxidant and Antiradical Activities of Manihot esculenta Crantz
(Euphorbiaceae) Leaves and Other Selected Tropical Green Vegetables Investigated
on Lipoperoxidation and Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) Activated Monocytes
In traditional medicine, cassava plays a role in preventing oxidative stress and
ROS-related diseases among sub-Saharan populations
This study investigated the ability of aqueous extracts prepared from these
plants to inhibit the peroxidation of a linoleic acid emulsion. The ability of the
extracts to reduce the cellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
under “inflammation-like” conditions was studied using fluorescence techniques
in a cellular model of human monocytes (HL-60 cells) activated by phorbol
ester. Overall, the extracts show effective concentration-dependent inhibitory
effects. Liquid chromatography analysis clearly identified the presence of
certain polyphenolic compounds, which at least partially explains the inhibitions
observed in our models. [3]
(Int J Cancer 2002)Antibody-guided enzyme therapy of cancer producing cyanide
results in necrosis of targeted cells.
We describe progress in the development of a system based on a beta-
glucosidase enzyme, linamarase, in combination with a natural “prodrug”,
linamarin, which releases the cytotoxic cyanide. A recombinant fusion protein
was produced, consisting of an scFv (MFE-23) reactive against
carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cassava-derived linamarase, and its
cytotoxic potential was studied.
The enzymatic catalysis of the substrate generates cyanide, a metabolic poison
that suffocates cells and leads to necrotic cell death
Complete elimination of tumour cells has been demonstrated at prodrug doses
that are completely non-toxic to non-target cells. [4]